Getting into the Act: Women Playwrights in London, 1776 - 1829 (Critical Readers in Theory and Practice)

A refreshing and vigorous account of seven female playwrights who, against all odds, enjoyed professional sucess in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.Getting into the Act is a vigorous and refreshing account of seven female playwrights who, against all odds, enjoyed professional success in the late eighteenth century. Ellen Donkin relates fascinating, disturbing tales about the male theatre managers to whom they were indebted, and the trials and prejudices they endured, ranging from accusations of plagiarism to sexual harassment.

Getting into the Act is a vigorous and refreshing account of seven female playwrights who, against all odds, enjoyed professional success in the late eighteenth century. Ellen Donkin relates fascinating, disturbing tales about the male theatre managers to whom they were indebted, and the trials and prejudices they endured, ranging from accusations of plagiarism to sexual harassment.

This turbulent early history still resonates in the late twentieth-century. The current ratio of female to male playwrights is virtually unchanged. Old patterns of male control persist, and playwriting continues to be a hazardous occupation for women. But within these sacred earlier histories there are equally powerful narratives of self-revelation, endurance, and professional triumph that may point to a new way forward.

Getting into the Act is entertaining and informative reading for anyone, from scholar to general reader, who is interested in the history and gender politics of the stage.

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Annotation Getting Into the Act is a vigorous and refreshing account of seven female playwrights who, against all odds, enjoyed professional success in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Ellen Donkin relates fascinating, disturbing tales about the male theatre managers to whom they were indebted, and the trials and prejudices they endured, ranging from accusations of plagiarism to sexual harassment. This scarred turbulent early history still resonates in the late twentieth-century. The current ratio of female to male playwrights is virtually unchanged. Old patterns of male control persist, and playwriting continues to be a hazardous occupation for women. But within these scarred earlier histories there are equally powerful narratives of self-revelation, endurance, and professional triumph that may point to a new way forward. Getting Into the Act is entertaining and informative reading for anyone, from scholar to general reader, who is interested in the history and gender politics of the stage "During the last quarter of the eighteenth century in London there was a remarkable surge in the number of produced plays written by women." "Ellen Donkin explores the careers of seven such women playwrights. This tiny cohort created a formidable pressure and presence in the profession, in spite of contemporary obstacles. However, it is disturbing to discover that women today still make up only about 10 percent of the playwriting profession. Donkin argues that old patterns of male approval and control over women's drama have persisted into the late twentieth century, with undermining results. But she also believes that by paying close attention to these histories, we can identify the insidious repetitions of the past in order to break through them, and imagine a fuller and more resolute presence for women in the profession."--Jacket "Ellen Donkin explores the careers of seven such women playwrights. This tiny cohort created a formidable pressure and presence in the profession, in spite of contemporary obstacles. However, it is disturbing to discover that women today still make up only about 10 percent of the playwriting profession. Donkin argues that old patterns of make approval and control over women's drama have persisted into the late twentieth century, with undermining results. But she also believes that by paying close attention to these histories, we can identify the insidious repetitions of the past in order to break through them, and imagine a fuller and more resolute presence for women in the profession."--Résumé de l'éditeur BOOK COVER......Page 1 HALF-TITLE......Page 2 TITLE......Page 3 COPYRIGHT......Page 4 CONTENTS......Page 6 1 OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS......Page 10 2 FRANCES BROOKE......Page 40 3 THE PAPER WAR OF HANNAH COWLEY AND HANNAH MORE......Page 53 4 SOPHIA LEE......Page 69 5 ADVANTAGE, MRS. INCHBALD......Page 95 6 FRANCES BURNEY AND THE PROTECTION RACKET......Page 112 7 JOANNA BAILLIE VS. THE TERMITES BELLICOSUS......Page 133 8 AFTERPIECE......Page 153 NOTES......Page 159 BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 185 INDEX......Page 193